The Engines of God

Humans call them Monument-Makers. An unknown race, they left stunning alien statues scattered on distant planets throughout the galaxy, encoded with strange inscriptions that defy translation. Searching for clues about the Monument-Makers, teams of 23rd century linguists, historians, engineers and archaeologists have been excavating the enigmatic alien ruins on a number of planets, uncovering strange, massive false cities made of solid rock. But their time is running out.

Conceptually intriguing, but uneven writing style

The basis premise concerns 200 years in the future where faster than light drives have allowed some exploration of our galaxy. The startling discoveri..Show More »es have all been related to a mysterious alien race referred to as the Monument Makers (MM) from their habit of leaving gigantic sculptures scattered around including our solar system. At the same time evidenced is found of alien civilizations past and present, although none even at our technological level.

The major thrust is to understand what happened to the MM. This leads to archeological investigations that form the bulk of the action which in turn leads to solar system hopping. The plot twists are fascinating and unexpected.

Unfortunately there are several aspects that really detract from the overall story. The characters are largely forgettable. Most of their actions come off as a high school theatrical production. At the same time, the injected elements creating drama are forced, seem arbitrary, and aren't necessary to drive the plot forward. Finally, the authors drags out certain sections with too much detail that becomes dull and boring. The ending is satisfying up to a point, but leaves open much of the opening questions.

Deepsix: Academy Series

In the year 2204, tragedy and terror forced a scientific team to prematurely evacuate Maleiva III. Nineteen years later, a rogue moon hurtling through space is about to obliterate the last opportunity to study this rare, life-supporting planet. With less than three weeks left before the disaster, superluminal pilot Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins must lead a small scientific team to the surface to glean whatever they can about its lifeforms and lost civilizations before time runs out.

First few hours were hell.

Just finished this book and I have to say the first few hours were boring and confusing. But as the story rolled on it became better and better with a..Show More »n epic ending. So, if you can make it though the first few hours then give this one a listen.

Chindi: Academy Series

The universe has been explored - and humanity has all but given up on finding other intelligent life. Then an alien satellite orbiting a distant star sends out an unreadable signal. Is it the final programmed gasp of an ancient, long-dead race? Or the first greeting of an undiscovered life form?

Everything You Want in a Sci-Fi Novel

Comparing the audio version to the printed word is comparing apple to oranges, but the advantage to the audio version is the ability to continue to st..Show More »ory while on the go. The written version is better curled up in bed with book in hand and a cup of tea on the night-stand.

Omega: Academy Series

A civilization-destroying omega cloud has switched direction, heading straight for a previously unexplored planetary system--and its alien society. And suddenly, a handful of brave humans must try to save an entire world--without revealing their existence.

Engrossing

Good narration, interesting characters. Great story couldn't stop listening. Digger is my favorite character. Fascinating look at the potential perils..Show More » of first contact.

Odyssey: Academy series

To boost waning interest in interstellar travel, a mission is sent into deep space to learn the truth about "moonriders," the strange lights supposedly being seen in nearby systems. But Academy pilot Valentina Kouros and the team of the starship Salvator will soon discover that their odyssey is no mere public-relations ploy, for the moonriders are not a harmless phenomenon. They are very, very dangerous-in a way that no one could possibly have imagined.

Could have been so much better.

This book reminded me of trying to start my lawnmower in the spring. It would putter and almost start but never quite got there. This book was the sa..Show More »me thing. This story could have been so much better if they had cut out the filler and focused more on the aliens. Save your credit. I love this authors other books but this one falls flat on its face.

Cauldron: Academy Series

When a young physicist unveils an efficient star drive capable of reaching the core of the galaxy, veteran star pilot Priscilla "Hutch" Hutchins finds herself back in the deepest reaches of space, and on the verge of discovering the origins of the deadly Omega clouds that continue to haunt her.

Not the return to the clouds I expect

If you've read the earlier books in the series you might as well read this one. However I did not like the answers to the questions this book explorer..Show More »s. So I'd recommend it if you really wanted to but it's not the best in the series.